Emergency Cardiac And Electrocardiogram Electrode Placement System

ABSTRACT

An emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device is disclosed herein. The emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device incorporates electrical conducting materials and elastic material into a pad that is applied to a chest wall of a patient, which places multiple electrodes in the appropriate anatomic locations on the patient to quickly obtain an ECG in a pre-hospital setting.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present Application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/904,411, filed on Feb. 25, 2018, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/853,578, filed on Dec. 22, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,986,929, issuedon Jun. 5, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/465,752, filed on Mar. 1, 2017, now expired, andclaims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/530,144,filed on Jul. 8, 2017, now expired, each of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to ECG devices.

Description of the Related Art

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential test that provides medicalprofessionals with essential information in the management of patientswith a variety of conditions. It is not only of significant importancein the evaluation and management of patients with chest pain, but alsoin patients with shortness of breath, syncope, dizziness, seizures,altered mental status, stroke, psychiatric conditions, overdose,palpitations and many other conditions. It is a bulky system with amultitude of wires and connections.

The ECG provides critical data to the health care provider in managingpatients with multiple medical issues. The time to obtain this data iscritical and often delayed by the current technology. Minutes can becomecritical in the patient with an acute myocardial infarction (heartattack).

Historically, there is training in the interpretation of ECG data, aswell as placement of electrodes on the chest of each patient inanatomically specific positions.

Current ECG placement is done by technicians and providers of varyingmedical background, including paramedics, health care technicians,nursing assistants, nurses, and doctors. The current technology isbulky, with many wires and cables. The placement of the electrodes inthe acquisition of an ECG is specific and requires special training. ECGacquisition is often limited and/or delayed by multiple factors such asbody sweat, ability to transport the ECG device into confined areas,performance of concomitant medical procedures such as cardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR). Because of many limitations, medical providers mustmake rapid decisions and potentially delay medical care while ECGtesting is done. As emergency medicine providers, the inventors haveidentified a need for more rapid placement of the ECG electrodes, a moreportable and manageable system that will not compromise medical care,and the need to eliminate electrode placement errors.

Sujdak, U.S. Pat. No. 6,847,836 for an Emergency ECG Electrode Chest Paddiscloses a chest adapted for use in an emergency room.

Dominguez, U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,473 for a Disposable ECG Chest ElectrodeTemplate With Built-In Defibrillation Electrodes discloses a templatethat carries ten electrodes.

Most of the prior art involves developing non-conforming devices thathave to be sized independently and are impractical in the confinedquarters of an ambulance. Most of the prior art does not address theability to withstand the application to a chest wall that is diaphoreticor rapidly moving. The devices are bulky and often have a largefootprint thereby obviating the application of other support devices orobscuring radiologic studies. There is very little attention to theability to reduce the frequency of lead detachment. Nor is there muchattention to conforming to multiple ECG recording devices whichtypically occurs during periods of transfer of care from pre-hospital toemergency department to inpatient units. The need to obtain serialmeasurements with a high degree of reproducibility is also missed by theprior art as subtle physiologic changes can suggest significantpathology warranting immediate intervention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram(ECG) electrode placement device (“EXG device”) that incorporateselectrical conducting materials and elastic material into a pad that isapplied to the chest wall placing the electrodes in the appropriateanatomic locations on a patient. The EXG device solves the problem oflead detachment, lead reversal, inability to apply leads due to extremesin physiology, and lack of reproducibility to measure subtle changes.The ease of use with the EXG device allows for acquisition of ECGs thatwould not have been obtained and therefore limits the opportunity lossof delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Use of this device: will reduce the time to complete anelectrocardiogram (ECG) in the pre-hospital and emergency setting;eliminate systematic error in placement and interpretation of an ECGelectrode; maintain and place electrodes in the proper anatomiclocations across all body types; not delay management in critical case;maintain proper skin contact through different physiologic responsessuch as sweat, cold and heat, as well as through medical treatment suchas CPR; be easy to train providers in application and placement of ECGelectrodes; and be adaptable to scenarios where space and situationslimit ECG placement.

The Emergency Cardiac and Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placementdevice is a worn device that incorporates elastic electrical conductingmaterials and elastic material into a pad that is applied to the chestwall placing the electrodes in the appropriate anatomic locations in arapid, reproducible, reliable fashion. It is provided in a compact,easily stored and transported form, that is applied to the chest wallwith materials that have adhesive capabilities that resist moisture andconforms to the body with inherent elasticity with placement ofelectrodes within the pad that maintain proper anatomic ratios andlocations. This device remains adherent to the body for specific lengthsof time, with examples including adherence for potentially a minimum of48 hour, but remain easily removable, while tolerating physiologicchanges such as sweat and fever and medical treatment such as CPR. Thedevice is clearly marked and designed to fit to the chest wall so thatits application ensures proper placement of all electrodes. Theincorporated electrical conducting materials combine together into asingle cable/wire that is either directly or indirectly joined to an ECGmonitoring device. The cable has adaptor capability that allows forwireless transfer of data to an ECG monitoring device obviating the needfor having a bulky ECG machine in close proximity to the patient. Thesingle cable also eliminates the need for multiple wires on a patient.Multiple wires that could potentially interfere with diagnostic imagingsuch as chest radiographs, or interfere with placement of emergencymedical equipment such as transcutaneous cardiac pacer pads ordefibrillating pad.

One aspect of the present invention is an emergency cardiac andelectrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device. The device comprisesa body, electrodes, printed wires or elastic electrical conductingmaterials, and an electrode connector. The body preferably comprises amultiple extension members. The body preferably comprises a top layercomposed of a flexible material, an adhesive layer composed of aflexible material, and a removable backing layer attached to an adhesivesurface of the adhesive layer. Each of the electrodes comprises aconnection stud, a contact pad interface and a contact pad. Theelectrode connector is positioned on the body. The printed wires orelastic electrical conducting materials is integrated into an uppersurface of adhesive layer positioned between the base layer and theadhesive layer, and connected to a corresponding electrode of theplurality of electrodes and connected to a single wire that is connectedto the electrode connector.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and furtherobjects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by thoseskilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description ofthe invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of an emergency cardiacand

ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second embodiment of an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a third embodiment of an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device with a defibrillation mechanismpositioned on a patient.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of an emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device with a defibrillationmechanism positioned on a patient.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device with a defibrillation mechanismpositioned on a patient.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of a sixth embodiment of an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device with a defibrillation mechanismpositioned on a patient.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a seventh embodiment of an emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of an eighth embodiment of an emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient vice.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of a ninth embodiment of an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 4C is an illustration of a tenth embodiment of an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an eleventh embodiment of an emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a twelfth embodiment of an emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device positioned on a patient.

FIG. 6 is an isolated top perspective view of a top surface of anextension of an emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placement device.

FIG. 7 is an isolated bottom plan view of a bottom surface of anextension of an emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placement device.

FIG. 8 is an isolated top plan view of a top surface of an extension ofan emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placement device.

FIG. 9 is an isolated top perspective view of a top surface of anextension of an emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placement device.

FIG. 9A is an isolated exploded cross-sectional view of the extension ofan emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placement device of FIG. 9 and anelectrode.

FIG. 9B is an isolated bottom view of an electrode for an emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device.

FIG. 9C is an isolated top view of an electrode for an emergency cardiacand ECG electrode placement device.

FIG. 10 is an isolated view of a portion of an emergency cardiac and ECGelectrode placement device.

FIG. 11 is an isolated cross-sectional view of an bi-layer extension ofwith an electrode of an emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placementdevice.

FIG. 11A is an exploded view of the extension and electrode of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is an isolated cross-sectional view of a single layer extensionof with an electrode of an emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placementdevice.

FIG. 12A is an exploded view of the extension and electrode of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an emergency cardiac and ECG electrodeplacement device in an application state.

FIG. 14 is an isolated top plan view of a portion of the emergencycardiac and ECG electrode placement device of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram(ECG) electrode placement device (“EXG device”) 20 is a worn device thatincorporates electrical conducting materials and elastic material into apad that is applied to the chest wall placing the electrodes in theappropriate anatomic locations on a patient 15. A technician, such as anemergency responder, places the EXG device 20 on the patient 15 andconnects the EXG device 20 to an ECG machine which generates an ECG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the EXG device 20 preferably comprises a body21, electrodes 50, printed wires or an electrical conducting flexiblematerial 60 (not shown), and an electrode cable connector 71. The body21 preferably comprises a center extension member 22, a first extensionmember 23, a second extension member 24, a third extension member 25 anda fourth extension member 26. The electrode cable connector 71 ispositioned on the body 21. Each extension member 22-26 preferably has awidth ranging from 1 cm to 10 cm, and a length ranging from 5 cm to 20cm. The center extension member 22 preferably comprises a firstelectrode 50 a, a second electrode 50 b, a third electrode 50 c, afourth electrode 50 d, a fifth electrode 50 e and a sixth electrode 50f. Printed wires or electrical conducting flexible material 60 (notshown) connect each electrode 50 to the electrode cable connector 71.

Other embodiments of EXG device 20 are shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5and 5A. The extension members extend outward from the center of the body21.

As shown in FIG. 10, a printed wire 60 a connects the electrode 50 a tothe electrode cable connector 71. A printed wire 60 b connects theelectrode 50 b to the electrode cable connector 71. A printed wire 60 cconnects the electrode 50 c to the electrode cable connector 71. Aprinted wire 60 d connects the electrode 50 d to the electrode cableconnector 71. A printed wire 60 e connects the electrode 50 e to theelectrode cable connector 71. A printed wire 60 f connects the electrode50 f to the electrode cable connector 71. A printed wire 60 g connectsthe electrode 50 g to the electrode cable connector 71. A printed wire60 h connects the electrode 50 h to the electrode cable connector 71. Aprinted wire 60 i connects the electrode 50 i to the electrode cableconnector 71. A printed wire 60 j connects the electrode 50 j to theelectrode cable connector 71. A ten pin electrode interface 75 connectsto the electrode cable connector 71. On one embodiment, the elasticelectrically conductive material is preferably applied with a 3D printerdirectly on the main layer.

Alternatively, an elastic conductive material is substituted for each ofthe printed wires in FIG. 10. Such elastic conductive materialspreferably comprise silver chloride and/or graphene. The body 21 ispreferably composed of a kinesiology type tape.

Alternative embodiments of the EXG device 20 a shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B,and 3C also comprise integrated defibrillation pads 40 a and 40 bconnected to a defibrillation cable 41. In the unstable patient,defibrillation becomes a crucial aspect of emergency cardiac care. Theuse of defibrillation pads has in the field historically been done withpad placement at the discretion of the first responder/paramedic. Themost common deployment being anteriorly. This often leads to suboptimalplacement and suboptimal delivery of electricity. The EXG-DF withdefibrillator pad assures proper placement of the device in the anteriorposterior configuration, which allows for optimal electrical conductanceto the heart. The vector of electrical conductance is optimally placedin an anterior posterior configuration. There is no device that providesoptimal defibrillator pad placement while integrating twelve lead EKGability with ability to extend to include posterior and right sided leadEKG. The ability to obtain instant EKG data after criticaldefibrillation has heretofore been impractical for the pre-hospital careprovider. The EXG-DF-DF addresses this critical issue in cardiac care.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isolated top perspective view of a top surface ofan extension of the EXG device 20. The extension has a top layer 30 awith an integrated printed wire (or elastic electrical conductingmaterial) 60 connected to an electrode interface 55 integrated with anelectrode 50 that is positioned on an adhesive surface below. Theelectrode 50 is not positioned on the top surface 30 a of the main layer30.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isolated bottom plan view of a bottom surface ofan extension of an EXG device 20. On bottom adhesive surface 30 b of themain layer 30 has electrodes 50 positioned thereon.

FIG. 8 illustrates an isolated top plan view of a top surface of anextension of the EXG device 20. The main layer 30 of the extension has atop layer 30 a with an integrated printed wires (or elastic electricalconducting material) 60 d, 60 e and 60 f connected to correspondingelectrodes 50 d, 50 e and 50 f that are positioned on an adhesivesurface below. The electrodes 50 d, 50 e and 50 f are not positioned onthe top surface 30 a of the main layer 30. An alternative embodiment ofthe EXG device 20 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Each of the firstextension member 22, the second extension member 23, the third extensionmember 24, the fourth extension member 25 and the fifth extension member26 extends outward from the center of the body. The first extensionmember 22 preferably comprises a first electrode 50 a, a secondelectrode 50 b, a third electrode 50 c, a fourth electrode 50 d, a fifthelectrode 50 e and a sixth electrode 50 f, which are all shown in dashedline to represent that the electrodes are not positioned on the topsurface 30 a of the main layer 30 (not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). Aprinted wire 60 a connects the electrode 50 a to the electrode connector71. A printed wire 60 b connects the electrode 50 b to the electrodeconnector 71. A printed wire 60 c connects the electrode 50 c to theelectrode connector 71. A printed wire 60 d connects the electrode 50 dto the electrode connector 71. A printed wire 60 e connects theelectrode 50 e to the electrode connector 71, and a printed wire 60 fconnects the electrode 50 f to the electrode connector 71. A seventhelectrode 50 g is positioned at a far end 23 a of the second extensionmember 23, and a printed wire 60 g connects the electrode 50 g to theelectrode connector 71. An eight electrode 50 h is positioned at a farend 24 a of the third extension member 24, and a printed wire 60 hconnects the electrode 50 h to the electrode connector 71. A ninthelectrode 50 i is positioned at a far end 25 a of the fourth extensionmember 25, and a printed wire 60 i connects the electrode 50 i to theelectrode connector 71. A tenth electrode 50 j is positioned at a farend 26 a of the fifth extension member 26, and a printed wire 60 jconnects the electrode 50 j to the electrode connector 71. The far ends23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a of the extension members 23, 24, 25, 26 and eventhe far end of extension member 22, act as strip extensions that assistin placing the electrode correctly. This strip extension isapproximately 1 to 2 inches in length as measured from the electrode.The EXG device 20 of FIG. 13 also comprises a sixth extension member 27with an electrode 50 k and a seventh extension member 28 with anelectrode 501. A printed wire 60 k connects the electrode 50 k to theelectrode connector 71, and a printed wire 60 i connects the electrode501 to the electrode connector 71.

FIG. 9 is an isolated top perspective view of a top surface of anextension of the EXG device 20. The extension has a top layer 30 a withan integrated printed wire (or elastic electrical conducting material)60 connected to an electrode interface 55 integrated with an electrode50 that is positioned on an adhesive surface below. The electrode 50 isnot positioned on the top surface 30 a of the main layer 30

FIG. 9A is an isolated exploded cross-sectional view of the extension ofthe EXG device 20 of FIG. 9 and an electrode 50. The interface 55 isplaced through an aperture 35 in the main layer 30 to connect to theintegrated printed wire (or elastic electrical conducting material) 60.

FIG. 9B is an isolated bottom view of an electrode 50 for an EXG device20.

FIG. 9C is an isolated top view of an electrode 50 with an interface 55for an EXG device 20. The interface is preferably composed of aconductive material such as graphene or silver chloride. The electrode50 is preferably composed of a silver chloride material.

A bi-layer extension is shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A. Each extension memberof the body 21 preferably comprises a top layer 30 composed of aflexible material and an adhesive layer 31 composed of a flexiblematerial, with a removable backing layer attached to an adhesive surfaceof the adhesive layer 31. A top surface of the adhesive layer preferablyincludes an integrated printed wire (or elastic electrical conductingmaterial) 60 with a connector 61. One preferred material for theflexible material is KT TAPE from Spidertech. The top layer 30preferably has a Shore A hardness ranging from 50 to 90, which betterallows for chest compressions. One preferred material for the adhesivelayer is an adhesive from 3M. Each of the electrodes 50 preferablycomprises a connection stud 51 and a contact pad 52. Each contact pad 52preferably has a diameter ranging from 30 millimeters (“mm”) to 40 mm,and most preferably 35 mm, to allow for retention of a gel protector.Each contact pad 52 is preferably composed of a material from 3M. Acable connector 61 is connected to a connection stud 51 of eachelectrode 50 preferably using a conductive epoxy. Each cable connector61 is preferably composed of 0.2 mm thick copper, with a 26 mm insidediameter.

FIGS. 12 and 12A illustrate an isolated cross-sectional view of a singlelayer extension. A top surface of the main layer 30 has an integratedprinted wire (or elastic electrical conducting material) 60 with aconnector 61. Each electrode 50 is attached to an adhesive surface ofthe main layer 30 with a stud extending through an aperture to connectto the connector 61.

The EXG device 20 is preferably provided in a compact, easily stored andtransported form, that is then applied to a patient's chest wall withmaterials that have adhesive capabilities that preferably resistmoisture and conforms to the patient's body with inherent elasticitywith placement of electrodes within a pad that maintain proper anatomicratios and locations. The EXG device 20 preferably remains adherent tothe patient's body through the duration of the acute pre-hospital andtransition through the emergency department and acute hospitalizationcare periods (which is typically three days), but the EXG device 20remains easily removable, while tolerating physiologic changes such assweat, fever and medical treatment such as cardiac pulmonaryresuscitation (“CPR”). The EXG device 20 is clearly marked and designedto fit to the chest wall so that its application ensures properplacement of all electrodes on the patient. The incorporated electricalconducting materials come together into a single cable/wire that iseither directly or indirectly joined to an ECG monitoring device. Thecable has adaptor capability that allows for wireless transfer of datato an ECG monitoring device obviating the need for having a bulky ECGmachine in close proximity to the patient. The single cable alsoeliminates the need for multiple wires on a patient. Multiple wires thatcould potentially interfere with diagnostic imaging such as chestradiographs, or interfere with placement of emergency medical equipmentsuch as transcutaneous cardiac pacer pads or defibrillating pad.

The EXG device 20 reduces the time to perform ECG testing significantly.With proper training, a user can anticipate ECG acquisition in less thanone minute, and potentially within seconds. Current ECG data can takeseveral minutes or longer depending on the care setting. It is notunusual for an ECG ordered in a hospital setting to take more than 10-30minutes.

The EXG device 20 also eliminates lead transposition error. That is, theattachment of an electrode wire in a wrong electrode.

The EXG device 20 makes ECG data more reliable and reproducible. Thereis no variation in lead placement while performing serial ECGs—which isoften done in the hospital and pre-hospital setting. The incorporatedelastic electro-conductive materials allow for this small form factor toaccommodate varying body types (man, women, adult, child, obese,anorexic) while maintaining strict anatomic ratios and correct placementand ensure proper lead placement.

The ease of use of the EXG device 20 makes ECG acquisition lessinconvenient and potentially improves ECG utilization in thepre-hospital setting.

The EXG device 20 also reduces the frequency of lead detachment.

An alternative embedment of the EXG system has wireless transfercapability that makes acquisition of the ECG in any situation feasible.

The EXG device 20 preferably incorporates either integrated elasticelectro-conductive materials or printable elastic electro-conductivematerial used in the acquisition of electrical signals from theelectrodes.

The EXG device 20 adheres to skin surfaces through a variety ofphysiologic conditions not currently met by current methods.

The EXG system allows for acquisition of data in settings that standardmethods currently fail.

Existing technology for ECG acquisition relies on technical expertise inlead placement.

Removing technical error is dependent of operator knowledge and skill,as well as interpretation of ECG data to identify systemic error inplacement.

The time to acquire an ECG is dependent on many factors but is limiteddue to the number of electrodes that are placed on the chest and torso,which then need to be attached to the ECG device. There are preferably aminimum of ten wires involved, and more electrodes are possible to allowfor more specific views of the right side of the heart and/or posteriorheart leads.

The EXG device 20 is preferably a single device with embedded leadplacement through a wearable material (such as a fabric) with a smallphysical footprint with the elasticity to maintain physiologicmeasurement across different ages, gender and body habitus withoutrequiring multiple sized devices.

The EXG device 20 solves the problem of lead detachment, lead reversal,inability to apply leads due to extremes in physiology, and lack ofreproducibility to measure subtle changes. The ease of use with EXGallows for acquisition of ECGs that would not have been obtained andtherefore limits the opportunity loss of delays in diagnosis andtreatment. The use of an elastic pourable or printable or otherwiseapplied film of elastic conductive material will replace bulky standardcables and wires allowing for a more compact form, smaller footprint,and contribute to less material and weight of the device.

The EXG device 20 is a single device with embedded electrodes andelastic conductive materials to obtain standard EKG and cardiac signalswith placement via a wearable fabric with a small physical footprintwith the elasticity to maintain physiologic measurement across differentages, gender and body habitus without requiring multiple sized devicesculminating with an output device of one single cable that isuniversally adaptable to all current ECG/EKG/Cardiac monitoring devicesvia device specific adapters.

In one embodiment, the EXG device preferably comprises: adhesivestretchable material that is breathable and water/sweat resistant;embedded elastic electroconductive material conducting electricalsignals from the integrated cardiac electrodes to a central data cable;embedded elastic electroconductive material/wiring/cabling arranged toallow for stretching across body types and sizes; electrode connectionport; Bluetooth capable emitter and receiver; conduction gel; andembedded electrodes (manufactured or printable).

The elastic adhesive membrane preferably provides adherence to bodysurface. It is preferably tolerant to moisture. The EXG devicepreferably incorporates electroconductive materials and electrodes thatconduct signal from the skin to a single data cable/wire. The EXG devicepreferably expands in an elastic fashion to appropriately fit variedbody types while meeting exact ratios of electrode distance withoutdistortion. The EXG device preferably has significant stability of sizeand shape with elastic components to make it easily applicable to thechest wall. The EXG device preferably comes in a compact form factor.

In one embodiment, there is encapsulated expandable electroconductivematerial within the membrane. Within the elastic membrane isincorporated electroconductive materials that originate from eachelectrode to bring the cardiac electrical signal to the monitoringdevice via a single data cable encompassing all appropriate ECG leads.This will be a novel use of new technology using elasticelectroconductive printable materials that will stretch with theelectrode assembly pad and retain conductivity. Potentially use existingelectroconductive materials to expand and contract with the device todeliver electrode signals to the monitoring equipment.

Alternatively, the EXG device allows for the use of external electrodes.In the event that ECG monitoring equipment is not compatible with thedata cable, electrodes at the ascribed anatomical locations can beaccessed with standard medical cardiac monitoring and ECG devices.

In one embodiment, there is a conductive membrane at ECG electrodesites. At the ascribed electrode ECG locations is a typicalelectroconductive Ag/AgCL membrane to conduct current from body surfaceto ECG monitoring device.

In one embodiment, a data cable brings individual electrodes into onecable that encompasses a minimum of ten wires/leads of the typical ECGanalysis which is then compatible with various ECG devices and wirelesstransfer system. Other conductive interfaces may be utilized with theinvention including ones composed of graphene/carbon, nickel, andcopper.

In use, one applies the EXG device 20 to an anterior chest walloverlying the sternum symmetrically at a level above the nipple line ofthe patient and below the sternal notch, removing the backing layer 32to expose the adhesive surface 31 a of the adhesive layer 31. Theprecordial limb is then stretched to the lateral chest wall at the midaxillary line below the nipple line. Similarly each limb will have thebacking layer 32 removed in succession to expose the adhesive surface 31a of the adhesive layer 31. The right upper extremity limb is stretchedtowards the right shoulder. The left upper extremity is stretchedtowards the left shoulder. The right lower extremity limb is stretchedto the right lower abdominal quadrant. The left lower extremity limb isstretched to the left lower abdominal quadrant. The cable is eitherattached to directly to the ECG device cable. Or in versions utilizing aBLUETOOTH transceiver, then the EXG device 20 is activated to sync withthe BLUETOOTH transceiver that is already connected to the ECG device.

Another embodiment has a posterior extension member which preferably hasmultiple electrodes that connect via a cable to an intermediary adaptermodule which connects to the electrode cable connector 71. The posteriorleads preferably are connected through the adapter module onto the endof the original EXG device 20 and basically take over leads V5-6 for thestandard ECG.

In an alternative embodiment, the EXG device 20 comprises a wirelessemitter and a wireless receiver. The wireless emitter is connected toelectrode cable connector 71, and the wireless receiver is connected toan ECG machine. The wireless emitter and the wireless receiverpreferably operation on a BLUETOOTH communication protocol. However,those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other wirelesscommunication protocols may be utilized with the alternative embodimentof the EXG device 20 without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

In another embodiment, the EXG device 20 also preferably comprises aplurality of external electrodes.

The stretching capability of the extension members of the EXG device 20preferably extends from a length L1 ranging from 7.0 to 14.0 inches to alength L2 ranging from 10.0 to 16.5 inches. In a most preferredembodiment, L1 ranges from 10 to 11 inches, and L2 ranges from 12 to 13inches. A width of each extension member 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 preferablyranges from 1 centimeter (“cm”) to 10 cm, and most preferably 2.5 cm to5 cm. A thickness of each extension member 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 preferablyranges from 0.1 inch to 0.5 inch.

The emergency cardiac and ECG electrode placement device 20 is capableof being applied to a patient while an emergency vehicle is in motionsince the device 20 is applied to and adheres to a patient's chest area,which mitigates signal loss. Likewise, the emergency cardiac and ECGelectrode placement device 20 is capable of being applied to a patientthat is moving due to a seizure, aggressiveness, and the like.

A preferred source for the printed wires is PE874 conductor ink fromIntexar Dupont. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize thatother printed electrically conductive materials may be used withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

A conductive elastic rubber material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,491,884, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference.

A stretchable graphene film material is disclosed in Chen et al., U.S.Patent Publication Number 20150273737, which pertinent parts are herebyincorporated by reference.

A flexible conductive material comprising silver is disclosed in Taguchiet al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 20130056249, which pertinentparts are hereby incorporated by reference.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinentart will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention andwill readily understand that while the present invention has beendescribed in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and otherembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changesmodification and substitutions of equivalents may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which isintended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in thefollowing appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention inwhich an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in thefollowing appended claims.

We claim as our invention the following:
 1. An emergency cardiac andelectrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device, the devicecomprising: a body composed of a plurality of extension members, whereinthe body comprises a main layer having a top surface an adhesivesurface, and a backing layer attached to an adhesive surface of theadhesive layer, an electrical conducting elastic material isincorporated into the top surface, wherein the plurality of extensionmembers comprises a first extension member, a second extension member, athird extension member, a fourth extension member, a fifth extensionsmember, a sixth extension member and a seventh extension member; aplurality of electrodes, each of the plurality of electrodes positionedon the adhesive surface of the main layer; and an electrode connectorcable extending from the body; wherein each electrode of the pluralityof electrodes is connected to the electrode connector cable through theelectrical conducting elastic material of the main layer, wherein eachof first extension member, the second extension member, the thirdextension member, the fourth extension member, the fifth extensionmember, the sixth extension member and the seventh extension memberextends outward from a center of the body; wherein the seventh extensionmember comprises a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes, thesixth extension member comprises a second electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes, and the first extension member comprises a third electrode,a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode of theplurality of electrodes; wherein a seventh electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes is positioned at a far end of the second extension member;wherein an eighth electrode of the plurality of electrodes is positionedat a far end of the third extension member; wherein a ninth electrode ofthe plurality of electrodes is positioned at a far end of the fourthextension member; wherein a tenth electrode of the plurality ofelectrodes is positioned at a far end of the fifth extension member. 2.The device according to claim 1 wherein each extension member has awidth ranging from 1 cm to 10 cm, and a length ranging from 5 cm to 20cm.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality ofelectrodes is composed of an AgCl gel electrode plate.
 4. The deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the electrical conducting elastic materialis graphene yarn, silver/silver-chloride wire, or a conductive rubber.5. An emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placementdevice, the device comprising: a body composed of a plurality ofextension members, wherein the body comprises a main layer having a topsurface an adhesive surface, and a backing layer attached to an adhesivesurface of the adhesive layer, an electrical conducting elastic materialis incorporated into the top surface; a plurality of electrodes, each ofthe plurality of electrodes positioned on the adhesive surface of themain layer; and an electrode connector cable extending from the body;wherein each electrode of the plurality of electrodes is connected tothe electrode connector cable through the electrical conducting elasticmaterial of the main layer.
 6. The device according to claim 5 whereineach extension member has a width ranging from 1 cm to 10 cm, and alength ranging from 5 cm to 20 cm.
 7. The device according to claim 5wherein each of the plurality of electrodes is composed of an AgCl gelelectrode plate.
 8. The device according to claim 5 wherein theplurality of extension members comprises a center extension member,first extension member, a second extension member, a third extensionmember, and a fourth extension member.
 9. The device according to claim5 wherein the electrical conducting elastic material is graphene yarn,silver/silver-chloride wire, or a conductive rubber.